Clarkston, Washington: As reported yesterday, we had to move to our previously reserved campsite in this resort yesterday. Someone actually came to see us this morning, telling the number of our new spot and that we had to leave our current position by 11a, and could move into our new spot at noon. Rules is Rules. The air quality was a bit better this morning (90), so DT headed out again on his bicycle; I situated the RV to move.
With an hour to busy ourselves between campsites, we drove to a nearby grocer for produce and various household item (nightlight bulb! mosquito spray!). Walked down many aisles to find our various requirements. Within walking distance of this resort are many big-box stores (Walmart, Costco), grocers, small restaurants and fast food.
Our new site is super wonderful! Dave chose this one hisownself weeks ago. Head-in parking, with the Snake River visible beyond our dash. This portion of the Snake River is dammed, forming Granite Lake. It is busy with boaters, fisherpersons, jet skiers, water skiers, barge-pushers, and (river) cruise ships. Clarkston, Washington sits across the river from Lewiston, Idaho. (Lewis & Clark - get it? - the two explorers camped here on their Corps of Discovery exploration trip.
This campsite is next to a small little "park" with two covered gazebos with fire pits and Adirondack chairs. Between the two gazebos is a walkway to the bike path that runs along the river/lake bank for miles.
Dave set about re-organizing the bays under our RV. Some things just needed tidying. Some things just needed to go. Then we removed the window screens, gave them a good cleaning and washed the windows inside and out. Fun times.
Butter Chicken was on the dinner menu, but I decided to try it in the slow cooker. Why not? This dish does contain many dried spices, and I had mixed them into a small jar before we left home. The spices were mixed with tomato sauce into the slow cooker, and the onion, garlic and ginger were then stirred in. The cubed chicken thigh went in last. Cooked on low 4 hours. Then I added the cream and butter and turned the slow cooker to high. By the time the rice was fluffy, the stew had thickened a bit (not as much as when cooked on the stove), but the taste was just the same. It worked (and there is enough - frozen and vacuum sealed - for another meal down the road).
Dodgers won again, and we finished The Hawk on Netflix. It started slow, but we continued. I mean, Will Farrell and golf? What's not to like. (PS: not for children.)
Today we woke to just-a-little-smokier skies, but temperatures in the 90s. A good day for a long ride on the bike path along the river. We went for six miles - dodging the sprinklers in all the parks along the path - getting a free shower at places we could not avoid the water. So many people out swimming and fishing along the shore. So many parks, benches, picnic tables, bathrooms, play structures and picnic pavilions (with grills) dot the path. Most is very shaded and there are also boat ramps along the river. We saw many geese and ducks, song birds and there is an osprey nest near the shore. Dave has counted three heads in the nest during his bike rides.
After riding six miles, we continued east on the path, just past our campsite, to a popular riverfront cafe. We think we may have dined here years ago, but have no recollection. Ordered nachos. Will not order them again.
Didn't want to eat much as I had prepped enchiladas with the leftover (frozen) beef tacos prepped in the slow cooker a few days ago, so just as well the nachos were not good. The enchiladas were.
The afternoon was quiet. Catching-up with family. Just as we were thinking to go outside to enjoy our cocktails by the river, a thick cloud of smoke came into town and we could smell the wildfire smoke for the first time since arriving to Clarkston. The air quality went to hell, but is predicted to be "normal" by tomorrow. Then it started to rain (huge drops, but only for a few minutes).
Dave and I have a big adventure planned tomorrow, so check back.
Until my next update, I remain, your borderline correspondent.
Campground Information: Premier RV Resort Clarkston